Make a box bottom bag

These nifty bags can be made any size. This is a cute little one I made for my lunch with a waterproof lining (you could use the kind of stuff you get for shower curtains) and a zipped pocket on the inside. I have made this bigger to make a beach bag For an average size bag I normally use an A4 folder as a guide. For a beach bag just make the bag wider. Have fun and experiment with different types of pockets.

Decide on the size of your bag.

You will need 2 fronts - this one is 40 cm x 25cm with 4cm squares cut out of the bottom each corner (this will make the box bottom).

2 pieces of lining fabric exactly the same size as the above.

2 rectangular pieces of fabric fro handles 40cm long x 12cm wide

2 squares to make a pocket 18cm square (one cut into 2 halves for a zipped pocket I have used a centred zip for this one and am planning on doing a short video to accompany this or you could google it) if you are new to sewing you may want to just make the pocket on the front for now.All seams are 1.5cm.

Make a small hem at the top of your pocket and turn the edges of your pocket under and press. (Always press as you go and you will get far better results).

Pin to your bag front. In the centre.

When you stitch your pocket onto your bag front remember to strengthen the tops of your pocket with a little triangle. If you start at the bottom of your triangle you will be able to go all the way round and top stitch your pocket to the bag. Finishing with a triangle on the other side in reverse. Now is the time to attached your zipped pocket to the inside of the lining if you are including one.

Pin your fronts together with right sides facing each other. Do the same with your lining.

Stitch both sides and both bottoms of the front and the lining. Do not stitch the cut out squares and leave a gap in one of the lining sides to be able to turn your bag inside out.

Now match the seams of the cut out square and pin into place. Make a small seam.This is going to be the box bottom. Stitch across the bottom. Trim.

When you turn your bag inside out you will see the shape .

Oops my seams don't quite match

Make two handles and attach to the inside of the bag if you wish to make a loop for a button you need to attach this now as well in the centre of the back panel for the bag.

Now place your lining inside your bag with the handles inside the two layers and stitch the whole way around the top. Press open and turn inside out through the hole you left in the side of the lining. Attach a button and sew up the hole on the lining .Ta Dahh! a great little lunch bag.